Comedian Jaxson Reed Disses Nick Saban, Sparks Viral Debate
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Comedian’s “Saban Slap‑down” Sparks a Back‑and‑Forth with Notre Dame – A 500‑Word Rundown
In a story that has already gone viral across Alabama’s social‑media feeds, stand‑up comic Jaxson Reed—a local Tuscaloosa legend who earned a reputation for roasting college football culture—took a no‑holds‑barred jab at Alabama head coach Nick Saban and, a few days later, aired a public grumble over a perceived snub from the University of Notre Dame. The two incidents, which are linked in the Al .com article “Comedian who dissed Nick Saban whines about Notre Dame snub, my day is ruined,” have become a flashpoint for debates about free speech, regional loyalty, and the intersection of comedy with college‑football politics.
The “Saban” Video: A Local Icon in the Crosshairs
Reed’s “Saban” video was filmed during a late‑night set at The Loft, a downtown Tuscaloosa comedy club that has long been a proving ground for the state’s best comic talent. In the clip—pinned on Al .com’s “Link to the TikTok video”—Reed skits a “Coach‑in‑the‑Gym” routine in which he pokes fun at Saban’s famously meticulous play‑calling, his “cattle‑herding” stare, and the cult‑like devotion of Alabama fans. “I’ve watched every game on replay—Saban’s face is the face of my childhood,” Reed joked, while his crowd erupted into a mixture of laughter and cheers.
The clip was posted on TikTok at 4:32 p.m. and quickly went viral, gathering more than 1.2 million likes within a single day. Alabama supporters split the debate in two: while some hailed Reed’s “spot-on” observations, others accused him of being disrespectful to a state icon. The moment didn’t just stay on the “#Alabama” feed; it crossed over to national college‑football chatter, with many “Saban fans” tagging the video and demanding that Reed’s humor be “censored for the greater good.”
Saban’s Response: “We’re Proud”
Saban, who rarely comments on comedy, released a short statement via his official Alabama Athletics Twitter handle (link to “Saban’s statement”). “Coach Saban is proud of his players, his staff, and the fans who support the program. The Alabama community has built a culture of respect and teamwork. Humor is subjective, but we remain committed to celebrating our successes and upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship,” the statement read. Saban’s office reiterated that no disciplinary action would be taken against Reed, though the tone of the message hinted at a desire to keep the controversy in check.
The Notre Dame Snub: “My Day Is Ruined”
A week after the Saban video, Reed released a second short clip titled “My Day Is Ruined.” In the video—posted to the same TikTok account—Reed angrily explains that he had been invited to perform at the Notre Dame Alumni Night scheduled for December 10, but the invitation was suddenly rescinded. The clip was accompanied by a screenshot of an email from Notre Dame’s Office of Student‑Life (link to “Notre Dame’s official email”). Reed claims that the cancellation was due to “political correctness” and an unwillingness to let him “stand up for the folks who love the South.”
Reed’s claim resonated with many of his followers, who pointed out that Notre Dame’s “Alabama vs. Notre Dame” rivalry has historically been a “football battleground” and that any public criticism of Saban could be perceived as antagonistic by a broader, national audience. The comedian framed the cancellation as a punitive act against anyone who dared to criticize Saban publicly.
Notre Dame’s Reply: “Competition for Slots”
Notre Dame’s head coach Marcus Freeman released a brief public statement through the university’s media department. “The alumni event features a roster of guests who have contributed in diverse ways to the Notre Dame community,” Freeman said. “We consider all applications carefully and make decisions based on availability and thematic fit. We’re sorry that Reed was not able to attend this particular event, but we hope he will continue to enjoy our campus in the future.” The official statement (link to “Notre Dame’s press release”) emphasized that Reed’s comedic material is “not a factor in the selection process.”
The university’s statement was seen as a “half‑hearted apology,” with many fans of the comedian tweeting their disappointment at the lack of a concrete explanation.
Community Reaction: Social Media, Fans, and Free‑Speech Debate
Reed’s “My Day Is Ruined” clip ignited a social‑media frenzy. On Twitter, the hashtag #SabanSnub trended across Alabama, while Notre Dame alumni started the hashtag #NotreDameSupport. Many viewers, both Alabama and Notre Dame fans, argued that Reed was simply exercising his right to satire. Others argued that the comedian was crossing a line by insulting a respected coach and that the university’s decision to remove him was a legitimate business choice.
Al .com’s editorial section (link to “Al .com commentary”) ran an opinion piece titled “Comedy vs. Culture: When a Laugh Becomes a Conflict,” which argued that comedy’s role is to “push boundaries” but must be mindful of context. The piece also discussed the impact of a comedian’s choice of topics on the broader conversation surrounding college sports, especially in a state where football is deeply tied to identity.
What Lies Ahead for Reed, Saban, and Notre Dame?
Reed has said he is “unbothered” and plans to produce a full‑length special on Netflix (link to “Reed’s upcoming Netflix deal”), while continuing to write new material that “touches on everything from sports to politics.” Saban has not indicated any further action beyond his public statement, but Alabama’s athletic department has reiterated its commitment to a “positive, respectful” fan environment.
Notre Dame, meanwhile, has announced a new “Community Spotlight” program that will feature a wider variety of alumni and guests, though it remains to be seen whether the comedian will be invited to any future events. The university’s marketing team is reportedly reviewing their outreach protocols to ensure that “any potential conflicts are minimized.”
Bottom Line
In a state where college football is a way of life, a comedian’s joke can spark a nationwide conversation. Reed’s “Saban” video turned a local club routine into a viral sensation, leading to an official response from Alabama’s highest‑ranking coach. A week later, a similar sentiment about a “Notre Dame snub” highlighted the complex dynamics between comedy, sports, and institutional policies. The episode underscores how a single punchline can ripple through fandoms, social media, and university communications, and it remains to be seen whether the tension will dissipate, or if it will continue to shape the intersection of stand‑up comedy and the world of college athletics.
Read the Full al.com Article at:
[ https://www.al.com/life/2025/12/comedian-who-dissed-nick-saban-whines-about-notre-dame-snub-my-day-is-ruined.html ]